Minnesota Wild: Niklas Backstrom back in goal vs. Ducks

ST. LOUIS, MO - JANUARY 27: Niklas Backstrom #32 of the Minnesota Wild allows the game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on January 27, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues beat the Wild 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM -- Niklas Backstrom, who played nearly 59 minutes without allowing a goal in the Wild's 3-2 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Xcel Energy Center, will start in goal against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night, Minnesota coach Mike Yeo said.

Backstrom relieved Josh Harding when Chicago led 2-1 early in the first period against the Blackhawks.

Yeo plans to use the same lineup against the Ducks (3-1-1) that he finished Wednesday's game against Chicago. That means Jared Spurgeon, who took part in Minnesota's morning skate Friday, likely will miss one more game because of a bruised foot. Spurgeon, who missed the Wild's past four games, said his foot is getting better and he hopes to play soon.

Minnesota's next game is against the Coyotes on Monday night in Phoenix.

Also scheduled to miss the game against the Ducks as healthy scratches are defenseman Nate Prosser and forward Matt Kassian.